The Dominica National Council of Women (DNCW) said it is very happy that two of the women who participated in the December 18, 2009 general elections were successful at the polls.
Justina Charles and Gloria Shillingford both won their seats on a Dominica Labour Party ticket.
However DNCW President, Josephine Dublin Prince, says it is the organization’s hope that greater effort would be made by the DLP to assist Dominican women to achieve their full potential
“The upliftment of women and their families should be of their main focus. At the Beijing Conference of 1995 governments committed themselves to ensure women access to and full participation in power structure and decision
making. We believe that if more women are elected to our government, and are included in the Cabinet of the day, they will be well positioned to strengthen the existing laws that promote gender equality and equity,” Dublin Prince said.
According to her, the presence of women will highlight the prospects of good governance and strengthening of the country’s democracy.
“…Our statistics represent over half of our population and we want to call on women to be part of the political process, we want to commit ourselves to continue to work with the two parliamentarians and government to further represent women and their families in Dominica,” Dublin Prince said.
Charles, a nurse by profession, was given responsibility for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; meanwhile, Shillingford, a former school principal, was assigned the position of Minister for Social Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs.
Congratulations are in order for both of these outstanding women who have championed the cause of Womens rights in Dominica. Mrs Shillingford we know that you will continue doing the great job you have over the years. And now in this capacity, i know the God will direct you to make significant improvements in our society as it relates to womens rights and the empowerment of our women in Dominica.
Woman Power!
The role of women in politics has most definitely received extra attention this political term, with the election of two women as parliamentary representatives and their appointment as ministers.
It is hoped that the appointment of Mrs Justina Charles and Mrs Gloria Shillingford will empower more women to the political arena and be more involved in political issues that are affecting their everyday lives and communities.
Gender discrimination and societal stereotypical expectations of the place of women (as being in the home) are seen as problems that have kept more women out of politics. But another issue is convincing women to seek a career in politics!
The ongoing changes in social, political and economic spheres of the country entails not only the raise of women’s role in society, in addition they are accompanied by breaking of stereotypes to treat human beings by sex that had been shaped through decades.
We need to have more young girls and women who see themselves as future leaders! We need to support and mobilise more women in embracing the political mantle!
Congratulations and God’s guidance and wisdom Mrs Charles and Mrs Shillingford. The women in Dominica are confident of your capabilities!
A Proud Woman!
Let me say congrats to Min. Shillingford & Min. Charles, as WOMEN i know it won’t be easy but with God on your side you can make a DIFFERENCE. As a woman myself i’ll be watching you both closely. Am praying that God will impart his WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING TO YOU BOTH. BEFORE MAKING DECISION’S SEEK GOD’S FACE FIRST, LET GOD’S WILL BE DONE IN YOUR DECISION’S MAKING. I PRAY THAT YOUR TERM WILL BE PRODUCTIVE. GOD BLESS. MARIGOTIAN IN THE DIASPORA LOOKING IN.